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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	April 7, 2017 01:57 PM
From:	Representative Dan L. Miller and Rep. Barry J. Jozwiak, Rep. Dom Costa
To:	All House members
Subject:	Law Enforcement Concussion Protocol

In the near future, we will introduce legislation to direct the Pennsylvania State Police, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association, union representatives of law enforcement officers, the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, and appropriate State agencies that have expertise in the area of traumatic brain injury, to develop a concussion protocol which will be used by all police departments to protect a law enforcement officer who suffers or who may have suffered a head impact or head injury while on the job. The job of a law enforcement officer is physically demanding and puts them at risk of suffering a head injury from a fall, vehicle crash, or a blow to the head. Symptoms of a mild concussion can easily be overlooked and the strong work ethic of our police officers can sometimes make them reluctant to seek medical care. Medical science continues to show that the damage from even mild traumatic brain injury – let alone severe or repeated concussions- can have a life-long effects that may grow progressively worse over time. This can impact their careers, their own health and safety, and can have an impact at home. Our law enforcement officers deserve more than just our thanks for the risks they take every day, they deserve our fullest support when an on the job injury occurs. They need to know that we have their backs. Sports groups are recognizing the medical severity of concussions, and we believe it is critical to have a proper protocol in place to ensure such injuries don’t go undiagnosed and untreated. LRB is finishing the draft language for this bill - as soon as it is available, Steph in my office (D. Miller) will circulate via email. Please join us in cosponsoring this importance piece of legislation.

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